CVE-2023-26456 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published on November 2, 2023, and affects OX App Suite by OX Software GmbH. The vulnerability allowed users to set an arbitrary "product name" for OX Guard, which could lead to indirect cross-site scripting attacks and potentially enable persistent code execution.

Understanding CVE-2023-26456

This vulnerability in OX Guard stemmed from insufficient sanitization of user input, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the potential for account takeovers and persistent code execution.

What is CVE-2023-26456?

Users were able to set a customizable "product name" in OX Guard, which was not adequately sanitized before processing at the user interface. This oversight enabled indirect cross-site scripting attacks and the potential for persistent code execution, exposing affected accounts to security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26456

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM severity with a CVSS base score of 5.4. While no publicly available exploits are known, accounts that were temporarily taken over could have been configured to trigger persistent code execution, potentially allowing attackers to establish a foothold.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26456

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79, indicating Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting'). The CVSS v3.1 score for this vulnerability is as follows:

Attack Vector: NETWORK
Attack Complexity: LOW
Privileges Required: LOW
User Interaction: REQUIRED
Scope: CHANGED
Confidentiality Impact: LOW
Integrity Impact: LOW
Availability Impact: NONE

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in OX Guard allowed users to set a product name that was not properly sanitized, enabling indirect cross-site scripting attacks and potentially facilitating persistent code execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is OX App Suite with OX Guard version 2.10.7-rev6 and below.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the product name setting in OX Guard, triggering cross-site scripting attacks and potentially gaining control over affected accounts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-26456 and prevent potential exploitation, immediate steps should be taken to secure OX Guard and protect user data from these types of attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update OX Guard to the latest patched version that includes proper input sanitization.
Educate users on the risks associated with arbitrary input settings and the importance of using secure configurations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities early.
Ensure proper input validation and sanitization practices are followed in all user-facing interfaces to prevent similar issues.

Patching and Updates

Refer to the release notes and vendor advisories provided by OX Software GmbH to access patches and updates addressing CVE-2023-26456. Stay informed about future security advisories to proactively protect against emerging threats.